TheCable

The federal government has re-constituted the national steel council to improve the growth of the industry.

Olamilekan Adegbite, minister of mines and steel development, said this at the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the committee would ensure the revival of the steel industry, thereby making it self-sufficient in production.

“This decision is a step in the right direction, which brings us closer to our goal of achieving self-sufficiency in steel production. Indeed, the importance of achieving such a feat cannot be overemphasised as the steel industry remains the backbone of modern society,” Adegbite said.

“The National Steel Act makes adequate provisions for the establishment of the National Steel Council, which will be responsible for the central planning of the iron and steel industry.

“The council consists of a chairman, executive secretary, four board members, and one representative drawn from the following federal ministries — finance, power, and steel.

“They will serve as central planning for the steel industry; research and development for the steel industry, including research and development of the technology and other aspects of iron and steel production.”

Adegbite also said the committee would coordinate the exploration of iron ore, cooking coal, limestone, dolomite, refractory clay and other minerals related to iron and steel production.

He added that the committee would collaborate with the ministries of power and steel, the Nigerian Coal Corporation and the Nigerian Mining Corporation to achieve the task.

“Training Nigerians in all aspects of the iron and steel industry and related fields and the deployment of senior Nigerian management staff and trainees to steel plants and other sectors of the industry,” he added.

“Research into the development and manufacture of equipment to be used and with basic engineering in the steel industry will all be coordinated by the committee.”

On her part, Gbemisola Saraki, minister of state, mines and steel development, said there was no doubt of achieving success with the people selected to form the committee.

She added that since the establishment of Ajaokuta steel, Delta steel and iron ore at Itakpe in Kogi state, this is the first time a steel council is being established.

Muhammad Aliyu, chairman of the committee, said they would ensure they achieve the goals and tasks.

In April, the federal government approved N853.25 million to engage consultants for the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and national iron ore complex.